According to the Mayo Clinic, nausea and vomiting are more common in chemotherapy patients with a prior history of motion sickness. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You may want to avoid driving for the duration of your therapy, if you suspect a problem will arise.
Another option is to take an antiemetic or anti-nausea drug. Emetrol, for example, for Pepto-Bismol may be appropriate. [4] X Research source Always consult a doctor about what medicine is best for you. S/he will know about possible side-effects and adverse drug interactions.
Chewing also helps to reduce nausea[5] X Research source for example, so keep a mild-flavored gum handy, like Juicy Fruit. However, you may find that chewing in general helps your symptoms. Snacking on sweets of just chewing in general may relieve your body’s conflict between vision and balance. Fresh, cool air also seems to help motion sickness slightly. Keep your driver’s side window open slightly or the vents pointed at your face.
Keep in mind that ginger supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you are on a blood-thinner or aspirin. Talk to your doctor to see if ginger supplements are OK for you. You could also take ginger tea in a thermos and sip regularly to relieve symptoms of nausea. To make this, add 1 teaspoon of ginger (grated or powdered) to 8 ounces of hot water. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes, then transfer to your thermos. If using grated fresh ginger, you may need to strain it before adding to the thermos. Sip as needed at rest stops.
Learn to read your body’s reactions. If your motion sickness usually starts with a light headache, worsens, and then turns to nausea and vomiting, note whenever you get a headache. Take that as a sign that you should pull over.
Don’t worry about the reaction of other motorists in this situation. At slow speeds, there is little danger in stopping in the road. Open the door and vomit if possible. If you can, pull over onto the side of the road. At the first sign of nausea, brace your body for another couple seconds and attempt a safe, slow maneuver onto the road shoulder.
Do not pull into the center divide on a freeway or highway. Center divides are closer to the fastest moving cars and offer less space than the shoulder.
At high speeds, and if stopping is impossible take your foot off the accelerator while preparing to vomit and hover your foot over the brake in case you need to slow the car down quickly.
If a bag or container is unavailable, you might also pull out your shirt collar and vomit onto your chest. While gross, this minimizes head movement and keeps you safest. Alternatively, aim for the floor. It is better to vomit on the seat or floor than on a console with sound system and air conditioning/heating controls etc.
